Public response doesn't seem to fit the crime when it comes to mutilating newsmakers

Misty Harris, Postmedia News06.11.2012

In recent weeks, at least six incidents of reported cannibalism have made the news across North America, including a case in Canada in which porn actor Luka Rocco Magnotta allegedly killed, dismembered and ultimately consumed parts of his victim.

There's a fine line between gallows humour and insensitivity, and reaction to the recent spate of cannibalism headlines does a tap dance on it.

From a satirical public-service announcement discouraging flesh-eating to cannibalism e-cards and even a government statement denying a zombie virus, public response doesn't seem to fit the crime when it comes to mutilating newsmakers.

It does, however, conform to a long, uncomfortable tradition of smiling at that which we fear.

"Horror can often tip into humour," says Charles Keil, director of the Cinema Studies Institute at the University of Toronto. "And there's something so ludicrous about the extent of the horror in this case that it can induce laughter — whether nervous or not."

In recent weeks, at least six incidents of reported cannibalism have made the news across North America, including a case in Canada in which porn actor Luka Rocco Magnotta allegedly killed, dismembered and ultimately consumed parts of his victim.

Though Keil believes mainstream media reports have been fairly respectful, he says the same can't be said of those people who don't have a stake in protecting victims and their families.

The video, shown on Jimmy Kimmel Live, wryly informs viewers that "not eating people is easy and fun," and that they shouldn't "go on a face-eating rampage like some sort of white trash Hannibal Lector" — referring to a case in Miami in which a man chewed the face off a homeless person (the autopsy, notably, showed no human flesh in the attacker's stomach).

On humour site SomeECards, one of the most popular topical cards last week read: "Here's to Floridians having their faces mangled by someone other than their plastic surgeon." Twitter has seen at least a half-dozen spoof Miami Zombie accounts crop up, some of them attracting thousands of followers.

And even the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a tongue-in-cheek comment on the rash of cannibalism, writing: "CDC does not know of a virus or condition that would reanimate the dead (or one that would present zombie-like symptoms)."

Forensic psychologist Sandy Jung likens it to a perfect storm of supernatural fascination, gallows humour and growing immunity to brutality in the media.

"We definitely have less of a reaction when we hear or see violence now, unless it happens in our own backyard," says Jung, an assistant professor at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton.

According to the U of T's Keil, deciphering intent is paramount when unpacking the trend.

Satirist Stephen Colbert, for example, was simply undressing hyperbolic media reports of "zombie-like attacks" when he quipped on his TV show: "That's right. Cannibalism is the hot new trend. And you thought saggy pants were annoying." Conservative radio host Glenn Beck, by contrast, comes off as disrespectful and cruel when guffawing on air for nearly two minutes about a recent mutilation.

"The question with humour is always the same: is it exploitative or is it helping dredge up something we don't want to confront?" says Keil.

Dave Alexander, an expert on horror, notes that the absurdity of eating someone easily lends itself to black humour. But he also says there's no denying humans' history of callous, even lustful, reactions to violence.

"Tens of thousands cheered as Christians were thrown to the lions for sport in ancient Rome, and families travelled miles by wagon in the 1800s to watch public hangings. Now we can satisfy that natural morbid curiosity from the comfort of our homes."

mharris@postmedia.com

Share

Public response doesn't seem to fit the crime when it comes to mutilating newsmakers

In less than a week, Abbotsford recording artists Hedley went from touring Canada with two supporting acts and a popular new album to pariahs ensnared in allegations of sexual misconduct. On Monday, accusations that band members Jacob Hoggard, Dave Rosin, Tommy Mac and Jay Benison had engaged in sexual behaviour with teenage girls surfaced on Twitter […]

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.